You can plan your Gold Country day trip or weekend getaway in a jiffy using the resources below.
Why Should You Go? Will You Like It?
- Get a Preview: Take a look at our Pictures of Columbia State Historic Park
- Gold Country is popular with outdoorsmen (and women), history lovers and antique shoppers.
Best Time to Go
Gold Country weather is best spring through fall and it can get a little cold in winter. The most popular time is summer, but spring and fall bring pretty flowers and nice colors.Don't Miss
If you've only got a day, visit Columbia State Historic Park just north of Sonora for a quick trip back to Gold Rush Days. The authentic commercial district is alive with shops, shoppers, stagecoach rides and gold panning. You can even stay in the old hotel.5 More Great Things to Do in Gold Country
- Railtown 1897 State Park: (2-3 hours) When the trains are running (April through October), a train ride from here is especially fun.
- Tour a Gold Mine: Put on a hard hat and go underground to see how the miners worked. For something more breath-taking, try their zip line.
- Antique Shopping: Any of the Gold Country towns has at least a few shops selling antiques, and you'll find several in downtown Sonora.
- Whitewater Rafting: Sierra Mac and Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions offer rafting trips on the Tuolumne River.
- Take a Drive: Follow Hwy 49 north through Angels Camp for a scenic drive on your way home.
Tips for Visiting Gold Country
- Sonora is the area's largest town, with a nice selection of shops, but a main highway runs right down main street and the resulting traffic noise and confusion dull its cuteness. We like smaller, quieter Jamestown better.
- If you're in downtown Sonora and looking for parking, there's a public lot on the left side of the main street as you're going north, about a block before you reach the big red church at the fork in the road. It's not well marked, which means a lot of people miss it.
Best Bites
One of the best ways to find a place to eat in Gold Country is tried and true: go to the one with the most people inside. If you're in or around Groveland, you can't go wrong at the Groveland Hotel. They've got a great chef and extensive wine list. And if your sweet tooth is acting up, head for Yosemite Fudge in downtown Sonora, where owner and candy maker Vikki can fix you up.Where to Stay
Tripadvisor can help you find the nicest places to stay in Gold Country. Search for Sonora, Jamestown or Groveland hotels and don't forget to click on the B&B and specialty lodging tabs. After you identify some places you like, Kayak can help you find the best deals.Getting To Gold Country
Driving? Gold Country can be reached by taking California Hwy 120 or Hwy 4 east to Hwy 49.Flying? The nearest airport is in Sacramento. Check airfares.
